Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver

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There were just 28 new coronavirus cases reported in Monterey County today, bringing the total to 42,551 cases, with no new deaths reported.  Governor Newsome has lowered the restrictions for reopening, and Monterey County is expected to move to the “red level†by Wednesday.  That means restaurants will be open to indoor dining at 25% capacity, gyms and fitness centers at 10%, and retail at 50%.  Movie theaters, museums, zoos and the aquarium can reopen at 25% capacity.  Nationally, the number of cases were up by 62,689 for a total of 29.3 million and deaths rose by 1,844 to 531,506. In California, there were 3,557 new cases for a total of 3.616 million, while deaths rose by 247 to 55,241.  The number of cases are still significant so please stay home and stay safe as much as possible.

Monterey, CA Alzheimer’s Association Has Touching Blog

An older woman holding a pink string in her hand.


The Alzheimer’s Association has a touching blog where family members can share cherished items and moments spent with loved ones suffering from dementia.  The blogs share touching moments via video, and it is really heart breaking to watch some of them, although clearly there are lessons to be learned.   Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are great people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

https://www.alz.org/blog/alz/march-2021-(1)/these-things-people-affected-by-alzheimers-share-c?WT.mc_id=enews2021_03_12&utm_source=enews-aff-20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews-2021-03-12&utm_content=homeoffice&utm_term=Story2

Monterey, CA Elder Abuse Alert : Preying On Those Unable To Get COVID-19 Vaccination

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been able to get vaccinated yet.  They are touting that they can get you vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine for just $30.  It’s not true.   The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has arrested three people and charged them with conspiracy to commit fraud.  But it’s not over.  These scams are very common so stay on the alert.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-vaccine-scams-grow-leveraging-confusion-about-how-to-get-the-shot-11614076200?tpl=cybersecurity

 

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver

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There were only 15 new coronavirus cases reported in Monterey County today, bringing the total to 42,523 cases, with no new deaths reported. Nationally, the number of cases were up by 58,530 for a total of 29.2 million and deaths rose by 1,665 to 529,662. In California, there were 3,910 new cases for a total of 3.612 million, while deaths rose by 331 to 54,994.  The number of cases are still significant so please stay home and stay safe as much as possible.

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver

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There were just 27 new coronavirus cases reported in Monterey County today, bringing the total to 42,508 cases, with no new deaths reported. Nationally, the number of cases were up by 55,832 for a total of 29.2 million and deaths rose by 1,275 to 528K. The number of cases are still significant so please stay home and stay safe as much as possible.

Eye Drops That Work Like Reading Glasses

A woman and an old lady sitting in a chair


A new eye drop called AGN-190584 is expected to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later this year and could eliminate the need for reading glasses.  Made by Allergen Eye Care, a division of AbbVie, the pilocarpine solution which is meant to treat the symptoms of presbyopia—an age-related condition that causes gradual loss of the eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects.  Participants in a study of the drug found they gained three more lines on the reading chart in low light compared to those who received a placebo.  The drops begin working as soon as just 15 minutes after they were applied and reached their peak effectiveness after about an hour.  For glaucoma, pilocarpine improves the outflow of fluid from the eye that lowers the intraocular pressure.  With presbyopia patients, it’s being used to constrict the pupil.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/03/02/fda-approval-eye-drops-submitted-help-presbyopia-patients-read/6834903002/

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver

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There were 77 new coronavirus cases reported in Monterey County today, bringing the total to 42,841 cases, with two new deaths reported. Nationally, the number of cases were up by 98,513 for a total of 29.1 million and deaths rose by 815 to 527K. The number of cases are on the rise again so please stay home and stay safe as much as possible.

L.G.B.T Seniors Fear Going Back In The Closet As They Enter Retirement Homes

A woman looking out of the window at her home.


The New Yorker had a sad article about a Brooklyn retirement home which featured twelve of the country’s 3 million L.G.B.T. seniors, many of whom fear going back into the close as they enter assisted living or senior communities.  34% of those surveyed fear having to hide their sexuality when entering a retirement facility, but a national chain called Watermark is trying to change that.  It is pursuing a platinum accreditation from SAGE, an organization that serves L.G.B.T. seniors.  This is a sad story which, hopefully, will have a happy ending eventually.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/03/08/tallying-the-lost-years-for-lgbt-seniors?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=tny&utm_mailing=TNY_Daily_030621&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5d9650350564ce3ac11dd859&cndid=1617543&hasha=7052b81671c57203c64c377c7522baa7&hashb=5708aa7994855c44974ae69faa48e3e4bacb03a0&hashc=cbd2b1a310c325a9dac49d86de69a91a6d69f6980ca8166044e7444b94298971&esrc=Auto_Subs&mbid=CRMNYR012019&utm_term=TNY_Daily

Monterey, CA Hope For Those With ALS, AKA Lou Gehrig’s Disease

A woman helping an older person with papers


Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS, seems similar to Alzheimer’s disease but attacking the body rather the brain.  There is no cure for either disease, and the ailment just continues to progress and leave you more and more debilitated.  However, USA Today recently ran an article about three promising themes:

  1. A new drug—developed in part with money from the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge—increased the average survival of patients in clinical trials by 7.5 months.
  2. A first-ever clinical trial is testing multiple ALS treatments at once; and
  3. Record levels of federal research funding are planned for this year.

Many are hopeful that Amylyx’s AMX0035 which got a $2.2 million grant from the $111 million Ice Bucket Challenge, will be approved by the FDA.  Findings for AMX0035’s Phase 2 trial were so promising that the ALS community is pushing the FDA to fast track approval.  They have gone so far as to ask the FDA to skip a Phase 3 trial, the only time in history that the ALS Association has asked the FDA to do so.  However, it’s a long-shot.  If you or a loved one are struggling with ALS, contact the Monterey Chapter of ALS here:

http://web.alsa.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=14647&NONCE_TOKEN=D30086CF168CADF46857EB53C986C9EA

Carmel-by-the-sea, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available

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Carmel-by-the-sea,  CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available (Also Aromas, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral-de-Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Salinas, Seaside and Soledad

We have developed a reputation for having the best caregivers (Home Care Aides or Senior Companions) in Monterey County.   We are currently looking for qualified caregivers.

Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey is seeking compassionate, mature and dependable caregivers who want to improve the lives of our elderly Clients by providing in-home, non-medical care.  Our services include:

Caring companionship

Meal preparation

Incidental transportation

Running errands

Light housekeeping

Medication reminders

Monitoring of safety while bathing

Information and referral services

Other services that improve the safety, security and quality of life of seniors.

If you believe you would make an exceptional Home Care Aide, we would love to hear from you!  We prefer those with experience helping the elderly, disabled and others with mobility problems.  Having cared for those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s is a plus.  To work for us, you must have excellent references, a clear criminal record, a good driving record, and an insured reliable vehicle.  To apply, please visit our website www.fhcofm.com, click on home care aides, then careers where you can fill out an application online.  We have immediate openings all over Monterey County.